A leading tertiary institution in cutting edge contemporary arts and design education and practice, LASALLE offers more than 30 different programmes and is led by a community of award-winning artists, designers, educators and researchers.

With a wide range of programmes in a world-class campus, you can expect an unparalleled arts education that’s designed to nurture your passion for the arts and push the boundaries of creative excellence.

From the performing arts to visual arts, our Schools are at the forefront of the contemporary arts scene in Singapore. Learn more about how each School is shaping the arts scene locally and internationally.

BA(HONS)

Arts Management

Take the lead and shape the future of a stimulating and extensive arts scene.

The programme offers aspiring arts managers diverse opportunities to study all key aspects of the field. You can expect to acquire professional experience through placements and internships, meet and learn from professional arts managers (both local and international), and engage in a research topic of your choice.

Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, you will draw from exposure to numerous art forms; develop an understanding of the needs of both artists/creators and audiences or consumers; hone your business, communication, and entrepreneurial skills; and learn about legal frameworks, cultural policy and diplomacy. You will be poised to become a leader in your field, both in the region and beyond.

Course Details

Duration

Mode

Programme structure

Arts Management Clusters
The Programme emphasises a balance of theoretical and practice-based learning, and is designed within a framework of four required clusters of study:

History and Contextual Studies

Principles of Arts Management

Arts Management Practice (including Projects and Internship)

Academic skills, Communications and Research

Level 1

You will be introduced to the programme as well as its methodological and practical base. This level presents the different disciplines and theoretical approaches needed for the study of arts management and provides a historical, social, and artistic framework for critical reflection and consideration. You will take part in practical placements in arts working environments, and be exposed to art showcases and industry professionals.

History and Contextual Studies: Foundation (15 CU)
What is art? How do we – or should we – distinguish between high art and low art, popular culture and high culture? In this foundational course, you will be introduced to basic theories in aesthetics, and examine the meaning of art specifically in the context of Southeast Asia, as well as other parts of Asia and the West, as appropriate. We will investigate the question of what is art in the Southeast Asian context, and examine how societies and communities have responded to particular art forms through time, and consider the forces that have shaped these forms and influence artistic practice. Through this process, you will develop a framework of critical approaches towards the arts. The class will include at least 1 to 2 visits to art museums and performances.

Principles of Arts Management 1A (15 CU)
This module is aimed at developing your understanding of arts management as an interdisciplinary field, approaching it holistically through a model that integrates the understanding of the art ecosystems, roles of art in society, the aesthetic contract, basic principles of general management, the relationship between management and the arts, marketing and the arts, arts and participation, and the specificities of arts/cultural organisations.

You will be introduced to the planning and decision-making process, management styles and models, basic principles of arts organisations, and the creative dimensions of arts management. Some of the key terms connected to the field of arts management will be introduced and explained (arts, entertainment, creative and cultural industries, etc.). Roles of arts managers in the overall process of art creation, as well as current issues and hot topics in the field in local, regional and international contexts will be discussed.

You will be assessed through a written exam.

Visual and Performing Arts Management Practice 1A (15 CU)
As part of your practice-based learning, you will study various methods and techniques used in the business of presenting performing and visual arts. Delivered through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on workshops, the module will comprise of two streams: The study of technical theatre arts and docent training.

In technical theatre arts, you will develop a working knowledge of back-of-house management, production and stage management, and front-of-house management. In docent training, you will acquire an understanding of how museums and galleries work with docents, and develop skills to engage effectively with audiences. You will have direct experience with docents in a museum. The course culminates with a tour presentation of your own design in a museum.

This is a more practice-based module where you will have the opportunity to apply and reflect on what you have learnt. The skills that you acquire through this module will be immediately applicable to work placements at various events, exhibitions and productions throughout the year, both on and off campus.

Introduction to Academic Skills (15 CU)
This module introduces you to the basic skills of writing for academic purposes, including analysing, referencing and citation. You will also learn proposal writing skills in relation to the various funding bodies for the arts in Singapore. Working closely with the library, foundational skills will be developed and augmented over the three years in the various modules you undertake.

History and Contextual Studies: Materials, Methods, History (15 CU)
This module expands the story of art beyond the region, and you will be introduced to the historical development of dance, theatre, music, literature and the visual arts. Attention will be paid to materials and techniques in the construction of these forms, as well as key movements and styles as defined in Western and Asian traditions. You will learn to recognise the influences in the shaping of art forms, and in turn, begin to examine the role art plays in society. In addition to historical contexts and formalistic considerations, you will also critically assess how different art forms are presented, and the role of curators and programmers.

Principles of Arts Management 1B (15 CU)
This module is aimed at increasing your awareness of the role of the arts manager in the growth and development of the arts. You will be introduced to principles of management and how these have shaped the discipline of modern arts management.

In the Project Management for the Arts component, you will learn the basic notions of project management for the arts, and practice various elements of project management, such as project needs assessment, target group and working with various stakeholders, identification and development of alternatives, action planning, scheduling, risk assessment, project components, and key performance indicators. You will also study and workshop different approaches to project team development. You will also learn the various forms of business writing for arts management, as well as basics in business communication skills. You will gain practice in writing skills for minutes, letters, reports, project proposals, and learn to adopt the appropriate tone in various forms of business communication.

In Accounting in the Arts, you will be taught the basics of accounting, and will learn about profit and loss statements, budgeting, income statements, balance sheets and cashflow management.

At the end of each course, you will make a seminar presentation and take a written exam respectively, which will be assessed.

Visual and Performing Arts Management Practice 1B (15 CU)
This module is aimed at increasing your awareness of the role of the arts manager in the growth and development of the arts.

In Arts Marketing and Audience Development, you will be given an overview of the Principles of Marketing, such as the marketing process and mix, consumer behavior, marketing communications, market research and positioning for competitive advantage. You will gain an understanding of how this relates to the arts industry and its practical applications. By tapping into market research, you will also develop proposals on how to engage and nurture audiences for the arts.

In Arts Placements, you will be attached to work on various on- and off-campus art events, exhibitions, productions and festivals that will give you hands-on and real-life experiences working with various artists, art practitioners, arts managers and art communities and organisations.

At the end of each course, you will propose a marketing project and make a seminar presentation respectively, which will be assessed.

Communication Studies (15 CU)
This module introduces you to the general theories of communication that affect the social, technological and cultural spheres in which the arts operate.

You will understand forms of communication, media and culture as they have emerged historically, and appreciate the processes through which they have come into being. You will learn how to apply discourse and semiotic analysis, as well as principles of argumentation. You will engage in the discussions about the role of art in oral, literate and electronic societies, relations between visual communication and social advocacy, as well as intercultural dialogue and the arts.

Working closely with collaborators from the fields of art therapy and acting, you will be guided through the psychodrama, storytelling and viewpoints method workshops, which will help you to develop deeper understanding of different approaches to communications skills.

You will be assessed through a written paper and a presentation.

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Level 2

You will be intensely involved in inquiry and analysis of theories and issues in the arts. You will apply fundamental tools and skills acquired in Level 1 to a range of professional arts contexts. In addition, hands-on practical experience in realising an arts management project in an actual professional setting in Singapore will be given. You also have the option to undertake a semester of overseas student exchange to gain a global perspective and enrich your learning experience.

History and Contextual Studies: Themes and Topics (15 CU)
This module covers a thematic and topical discussion of the various roles played by artists and the arts in society. You will exercise critical thinking and analytical skills, as you examine specific topics in relation to the arts, and focus on case studies situated mainly in Singapore and the region. Topics and themes include post-colonial orientations, issues of migration and cross-cultural influences, art as ideology, and more. We will consider the consumption of art in the twenty-first century, and look at how artists play a role in the context of globalisation, a neoliberal economy and the rise of the creative industries.

Principles of Arts Management 2 (30 CU)
This module will further expand your knowledge of management theories and analyse their application to arts management. You will gain invaluable lessons from theories in Financial Management, Entrepreneurship and Audience Engagement, and apply these concepts in your management of arts projects.

In Managing Financial Resources in the Arts, you will study key areas related to finance, and how to manage and sustain the financial health and viability of an arts space, arts organisation or arts programme. Drawing on the knowledge you have gained in accounting principles, you will familiarise yourself with financial statements (profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow statement), budgets and sources of funding.

In Strategic Approaches to Audience Engagement, you will be introduced to creative and innovative managerial practices in audience building, drawing on cases from both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. You will study market trends in the arts, identify current and emerging audiences, and develop new products or services to engage these audiences using various marketing strategies.

Your assessment will entail conducting market research on arts audiences and applying this knowledge in the creation of a sponsorship plan.

Visual and Performing Arts Management Practice 2A (15 CU)
This module will focus on the aspects of managing different types of art events, as well as issues of management of venues for art events. Skills and knowledge will be imparted in specific areas such as conceptualisation, design, logistics, technical production, marketing and risk assessment of the events, through case studies, visits and structured observation research tasks. You will also learn how to work directly with artists by understanding their needs and artistic ideas. You will learn how to understand their profile, narratives and needs, and be able to design a platform that is able to connect them with their potential audience. This module will also equip you with basic IT & Design skills that can help you with basic graphic and web design, as well as help you to understand the communication processes in the world of design.

Areas that will be covered include IT & Design Skills, Artist Management and Events Management.

You will work on one project and make a group seminar presentation at the end of this module.

Arts Projects (20 CU)
This module requires you to undertake a practical project (an exhibition, a workshop, a production, a festival, etc.) from research, conceptualisation, proposal writing and feasibility studies, to administrative and operational management, curation, implementation and final evaluation. You will be introduced to the structure, programming, collection management and curatorial aspects of modern museums, galleries and international art shows. You will learn how an exhibition is managed, from making curatorial decisions to doing the installation. You may also be introduced to issues and practices of programming for the performing arts, venue management and events management.

Drawing on the knowledge and skills you have gained in all modules in Level 1, especially from Principles of Arts Management and Visual and Performing Arts Management Practice modules, you will be attached to LASALLE-produced and/or externally produced arts projects to conceptualise, plan and actualise, as well as to evaluate and reflect on the process in managing them.

Interdisciplinary Project
Interdisciplinarity is a key principle of a LASALLE arts education. Exploration of interdisciplinarity in your creative practice will provide you with the platform to work across disciplinary boundaries, and explore new ways of developing ideas, concepts and practices.

In this module, you will be required to undertake an interdisciplinary project. You will have the opportunity to work with team members from different programmes and disciplines on a common project brief. As a team, you will learn to integrate knowledge and skills from various disciplines to produce new insights and/or outcomes.

Visual and Performing Arts Management Practice 2B: Electives (20 CU)
This module will allow you to embark on a more focused study of a preferred area of the arts. You will have the option of two out of four elective courses to choose from, each focuses on an area of the arts and creative/cultural industries that is prominent in Singapore and in the region, as well as areas of study found to be of proven interest to students.

Each course will include site visits and/or direct engagement with professionals in the field. Learning through a combination of lectures, discussions and hands-on activities, you will develop a more advanced understanding of specific aspects of the industry.

In Exhibition and Gallery Management, you will be introduced to the programming and curatorial aspects of galleries and international art shows, as well as the process of mounting an exhibition from start to finish. In Festival Management, you will be introduced to the issues and practices of programming, and running festivals in the local and international context. In Music Management, you will learn the basics of the music business, both contemporary and popular, as well as be introduced to the organisational structure and management requirements of traditional and classical orchestras and companies. In Heritage Management, you will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the heritage field, discerning the complex issues involved in the preservation of both tangible and intangible culture, and learn how to work with communities.

The four elective course options are:

Gallery and Exhibition Management

Music Management

Heritage Management

Festival Management

Research and Writing Skills (20 CU)
This module builds on the principles gained from history and contextual studies, where you will acquire and develop a varied set of writing skills critical to an arts manager. Two broad areas will be covered in this module: Art Criticism as well as Art Research and Writing. You will learn to write critical reviews, previews, commentaries and press releases on the arts. You will also learn techniques that will assist in your research in the arts.

Student Exchange Elective (60 CU)
This module gives you the opportunity to explore fresh perspectives and alternative approaches to your creative discipline, by undertaking a semester-long international learning exchange in another institution. The aim of the module is to provide interested students an opportunity to enrich their learning journey, enhance their creative practice, learn from a socio-culturally different educational setting, and be exposed to new cultural and creative industries.

Please note that this is an elective module. Students who undertake this module will not be required to take additional modules.

In this module, you will spend a semester studying in a cognate programme or a selection of relevant modules at one of LASALLE’s partner institutions. You will also be expected to be an independent learner to relate and integrate the experience, knowledge and skills acquired to the assessments required for this module. Through this international experience, you will be able to strengthen your ability to adapt and react to changing trends and environment. You will build your capacity to contribute effectively as an active and informed local and global citizen, while broadening your network and enhancing your career prospects in the arts and creative industries.

You are responsible for applying to this elective option through the College’s Division of Quality and Planning (Email: global_engagement@lasalle.edu.sg) before Week 7 of Semester 1 .

Your application for this elective module must be supported by your Programme Leader. You are expected to adhere to the regulations, guidelines and planned curriculum issued by the host institution. At the same time, you are expected to regularly update your assigned lecturer on the progress of your learning at the partner institution, and also seek guidance on the completion of the units of assessment for this module.

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Level 3

You will have the opportunity to acquire critical professional skills relevant to contemporary practice, through coursework as well as through internships or self-initiated projects. In this final year, topics covered include Arts Policy, Arts Law and Arts Leadership. You will complete your programme of study with a research dissertation.

Arts Policy (20 CU)
This module introduces Arts Policy and cultural governance. Through an in-depth study of arts and cultural policies, governmental reports and cultural statistics, you will be analysing theories, concepts and policy implementations related to the arts. You will be studying the development of arts policies and discussing issues related to policy-making and cultural governance.

Industry and Community Engagement (20 CU)
This module is designed to enable you to broaden your knowledge of the cultural and creative industries by placing you, as a learning professional, within a professional work environment. The aim of the module is to help you develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, prepare you to pursue opportunities in fields relating to your study, and expose you to a diverse set of professional trajectories. You will map your acquired skills, interests and aspirations against current (and future) opportunities in the cultural and creative industries, while putting to practice skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. You are required to attend various industry preparation workshops, such as resume-writing, interview skills, and etc., as part of this module.

In fulfilment of this module, you can choose one of the following options:

Option A: Industry-based Internship(s)
You will independently source and apply for internship opportunities. You are required to identify your interest and career-trajectory. These opportunities should be in an organisation where the job functions are related to your discipline.

The internship may be with a single organisation or an accumulation of short-term work with different companies, to accumulate the minimum 200 hours of on-the-job training. The internship may be spread across a number of days/weeks and need not be a full-time position. Where possible, you are encouraged to go beyond the minimum hours in order to showcase your talent and abilities, which will aid your quest for permanent employment and/or gain more opportunities to learn about the job and industry.

All internships must be approved by the Programme Leader, prior to commencement, to align with learning aims and outcomes.

Option B: Negotiated Projects
You will take a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to identify and create a niche for yourself, within the cultural and creative industries. You may undertake a combination of the following types of projects:

Industry Live Project: You can source for an industry project, or this can be facilitated through the programme.

Entrepreneurial Project: You may devise a business proposal and execute it.

Community Engagement Project: You can engage with a community of your preference, and develop and execute an initiative for them.

Short-term internship (about 100 hours)

To ensure that you fulfil the learning outcomes of this module, all proposals and short-term internship opportunities must be discussed and approved by the Programme Leader.

Dissertation (40 CU)
This module is the culmination of the research and contextual knowledge that you have acquired during the course of your study. You will be required to undertake in-depth critical research, and present a coherent argument based on investigation and analysis. The chosen topic will be relevant to your main course of study, and will be used to support and inform your specialist practice. It will demonstrate your deep appreciation of your field, and competency of key approaches and methodologies to contextualise it.

You will demonstrate an ability to identify a research topic that is close to your practice or field of study through a clear literature review, and present relevant arguments and hypotheses in the written form of between 6,000 to 8,000 words.

Before commencing your dissertation, you will be required to develop a research proposal outline to demonstrate your research question and approach to completing the dissertation. You are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent and self-motivated research. You will be assigned a supervisor who will provide guidance in your research work. You will also be required to attend all dissertation-related classes.

Principles of Arts Management 3 (20 CU)
This module ntroduces you to the specific management perspectives of non-profit arts organisations. This will include legal frameworks in the management of the arts and leadership theories. In the leadership component, you will be introduced to various theories of leadership as applied in business contexts. You will analyse organisational structure, psychological behaviours and develop an understanding of how to lead teams in different contexts. You will also expand your knowledge of issues related to non-profit arts management and cultural leadership, and develop your skills of critical analysis.

When it comes to legal frameworks for the arts, you will gain knowledge and understanding of laws related to the arts, types of contracts important for the arts industry, as well as the concept and application of copyright (author's rights and other related rights).

Areas that will be covered include Arts Leadership and Non-profit Management, as well as Legal Frameworks for the Arts.

Strategic and Entrepreneurial Thinking for Arts Organisations (20 CU)
This module will help you to develop the knowledge and skills to write a business plan, as well as an understanding of social responsibilities and business ethics involved in setting up and running a business in the arts. It will also equip you with the knowledge of the strategic analysis of arts organisation, and give insights into organisation behaviour within the arts sector. Entrepreneurial spirit and the concept of entrepreneurship applied to arts/creative industries will also be explored and discussed.

Areas that will be covered include Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Business Planning, as well as Business Ethics.

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More Information

Learning methods

Attend lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars, internships and projects. There will be regular guest lectures by arts management practitioners from Singapore and abroad. You will be expected to complete written assignments in the form of essays and projects, participate in class presentations, undertake internships and write a research dissertation.

Assessment and course materials

Assessment is an integral part of the learning process and will be formative and diagnostic, as well as summative and evaluative. Feedback to students is provided, wherever appropriate.

You will independently source and apply for internship opportunities. You are required to identify your interest and career trajectory. These opportunities should be in an organisation where the job functions are related to your discipline.

The internship may be with a single organisation or an accumulation of short-term work with different companies, to accumulate the minimum 200 hours of on-the-job training. The internship may be spread across a number of days/weeks and need not be a full-time position. Where possible, you are encouraged to go beyond the minimum hours in order to showcase your talent and abilities, which will aid your quest for permanent employment and/or gain more opportunities to learn about the job and industry.

All internships must be approved by the Programme Leader, prior to commencement, to align with learning aims and outcomes.

LASALLE is committed to providing our students with an international perspective and nurturing them to be global citizens. The opportunity for student exchanges will broaden your network and strengthen your ability to adapt and react to the global changing trends and environment.

“Wonderful. I met a lot of people I am still friends with. I really loved the lectures. The equipment and building are very good. I came to be exposed to another culture and I wasn't disappointed, since Singapore and LASALLE are so multicultural.”
Exchange student, Pauline Marie Estelle Perrin, from Design Academy Eindhoven

"There are so many international students in LASALLE, thus I learned various design philosophies from them."
Exchange student, Suzuko Asawa, from Tokyo University of the Arts

Outgoing Exchanges
Students enrolled in our BA(Hons) degree programmes will have the opportunity to go on a semester of overseas exchange with our selected partner institutions. The Student Exchange Elective module (60 credits) is an option for BA(Hons) degree students in Level 2, Semester 2. For more details on the eligibility criteria and the application process, please login to the Learning Portal. For more information or assistance, please email us.

Eligibility
You will need to be an enrolled student from one of our partner institutions. As English is our language of instruction, incoming exchange students from a non-English medium partner institution are expected to have IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL (PBT 550 / CBT 213 / IBT80).

Please fill up our online incoming exchange student form here. You will be contacted by our staff regarding more details on the application process. For more information or assistance, please email us. You may refer to our International Student Guide for information about visa application, accommodation and the expenses for living in Singapore.

Career paths

Make an impact as:
Arts Administrator/Manager, General Manager, Marketing/Public Relations Manager, Exhibition Manager, Event and Operations Manager, Programme Manager, Sponsorship Manager, Education Manager in small and medium public and private arts, culture or heritage organisations, Policy Maker or Community Liaison Manager in government agencies, Festival Manager, Theatre Manager or Curator.

HighLights

Academics

Tap into the illustrious minds of our faculty members who are movers and shakers in
their own disciplines. They will impart, challenge and encourage, as they share their invaluable expertise
and experiences with you.

Your portfolio or audition must be exceptionally strong and demonstrate prior formal training in the relevant arts discipline. The transcript from your diploma course must demonstrate that you have read and passed the equivalents of essential LASALLE modules.

Alternative English Language Qualification

Entry Into

IELTS

TOEFL - iBT

BA(Hons)

6.0

80

ADMISSIONS TEST/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS/AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Written Assignments and Interview Requirements

You are required to submit a 500–800 word essay sharing with us your experience/involvement in the arts through practice, studies or work in the past two years.

Arts experience can include work done with arts organisations or arts events, such as performances, exhibitions, concerts, films or design projects. These can be projects you were involved in or attended as a spectator.

In addition to that, tell us something about yourself that is not related to arts, that you are passionate about.

You are also required to attend an interview and take a written test conducted by the Arts Management programme lecturers.

Notes:

*SPRs students who choose to take up the Tuition Grant (TG) will need to make an online application and then sign the TG Deed with the Government of Singapore. Under the terms of the Tuition Grant Deed, you will be required to work for a Singapore entity for a period of three years upon graduation. For more information, visit tgonline.moe.gov.sg.

Funded/Subsidised fees for Singaporeans and Singapore PR qualify for GST Subsidy from MOE, all other fees include 7% GST.

Fees are due on the first day of each semester.

Fees are subject to change.

Correct as at August 2019.

Application Fees

A non-refundable application fee (inclusive of 7% GST) is chargeable per application. Application is only complete upon receipt of your application fee and all necessary documents. Please ensure your application fee is paid and documents are submitted within seven working days from the submission date of your online application. LASALLE reserves the right to withdraw the applicant if the application fee remains unpaid and documents are not received by the due date.

Singaporean / Singapore Permanent Resident Applicants

International Applicants

S$60.00

S$120.00

Additional Costs

Basic materials for learning are provided by the College.

As a developing artist, you are required to have certain items that are personal to you and cannot be shared. Such items include books, dance shoes, rehearsal clothes, safety boots, portable musical instruments, paints, canvas, basic tools, design software, cameras, etc., that will support you through your three-year learning journey. The College does not encourage the purchase of extravagant or costly materials or equipment. Our lecturers can provide you with affordable suggestions.

You are also encouraged to have your own laptop for education. If you do not own one, computer labs are available on campus with requisite software for you to undertake your work.

There may be opportunities for you to undertake extra-curricular study trips to enhance your overall learning. Trips are not compulsory and may incur additional costs.

MORE INFORMATION

Fee Protection Scheme (FPS)

Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) serves to protect students’ fees in the event a Private Education Institution (PEI) is unable to continue operations due to insolvency and/or regulatory closure. The FPS also protects students when the PEI fails to pay penalties or refund fees to the students arising from judgements made against it by the Singapore courts.

In seeking to be an EduTrust-certified PEI, LASALLE is required to adopt the FPS to ensure full protection to all fees paid by their students. Therefore, the FPS is compulsory for students who are taking BA(Hons), MA and Certificate programmes at LASALLE.

Diploma programmes offered by LASALLE are exempted from FPS under the EduTrust requirements of the Committee for Private Education (CPE).

All full-time students of LASALLE are required to be covered under the Medical Insurance Scheme (MIS). The annual coverage of S$20,000 includes school-related activities throughout the programme duration.

The current premium rate of S$18.20 is payable each semester. This premium rate is subject to change based on the prevailing premiums charged by the insurer.

SCHOLARSHIPS

In recognition of outstanding academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for creativity and innovation, LASALLE offers a variety of scholarships to new and current students.

Applications for scholarships open from March to May for new students. Other externally sponsored scholarships are also available to students. Enquiries and applications may be directed to the respective organisations.

Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).